Minister of State Uppal addresses Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at international convention
LONDON, United Kingdom, Aug. 30, 2014 /CNW/ - Tim Uppal, Minister of State for Multiculturalism, addressed participants of the Jalsa Salana 2014 International Convention today, highlighting Canada's leadership on human rights issues and emphasizing the importance of religious acceptance and inclusion, in both Canada and abroad.
Minister Uppal is in London as part of the Canadian delegation to the Jalsa Salana UK 2014 convention, the formal annual gathering of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. The convention aims to facilitate greater spiritual awareness amongst community members, strengthen community ties and promote peace. The event includes religious discourses and inter-faith sessions.
Speaking to participants, Minister Uppal highlighted Canada's internationally-respected approach to multiculturalism and religious freedom, emphasizing the importance Canada places on accepting all cultures while promoting their adherence to Canadian traditions and values. He also recognized the positive contributions of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Canada, and praised the community for its commitment to peace, acceptance and equality.
Quick facts
- The Government of Canada established the Office of Religious Freedom in February 2013 and has since established itself as a world leader in advancing and defending religious freedom around the world.
- The Office of Religious Freedom focuses on advocacy, analysis, policy development and programming relating to protecting and advocating for the rights of religious communities facing threat and persecution.
- The opening of the Office was announced at the Ahmadiyya headquarters and mosque in Maple, Ontario.
- The first Jalsa Salana convention was held on December 27, 1891 in Qadian, India, and was initiated by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Quote
"Our Government is committed to ensuring that all Canadians are free to practice whichever religion they choose without fear of violence or persecution. These values are ones which we aspire to see reflected not only in Canada but through out the international community as well. I commend His Holiness Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih and the International Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for their efforts to promote peace and understanding around the world."
Tim Uppal, Minister of State for Multiculturalism
Associated link
Canada's Office of Religious Freedom
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SOURCE: Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Joe Kanoza
Minister's Office - Minister Uppal
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